Shell Function Not Working

[Anonymous]

Hi guys!

I'm a novice in Inventor, and am currently modeling an artistic project for some friends! I keep receiving this message when attempting to shell out the model, "The attempted Shell operation would require a large topology change. Try with a smaller thickness." 

I have tried multiple means of trying to hollow out the insides, but at this point, I'm sure that the forums have the answers!

I have attached the file and any suggestions or feedback would be great!

I have no idea where I am going wrong or what mistakes I've made, if someone could help me or has another means of shelling out the model, I would greatly appreciate it! 

[Thomas_Savage]

Hello @Anonymous 

I just opened your file and you have a lot of the i icon next to features or sketches. 

It will be best practice to fix these problems. You can do this by clicking the button i have circled below. Select the error then go through the process to fix the problem.

This could be causing the error. If not then inventor isn't able to create the geometry.

[JDMather]

I recommend that you model with obvious symmetry about the Origin.

Fully define all of your sketches (stop and ask questions if any sketch is not fully defined (your very first sketch is not fully defined)).

Another tip is to Shell after each feature as you go (you can drag the Shell feature below the End of Part Marker as you add each feature), but because of the way that you modeled this part - that advanced tip would not work in this case.

After taking a deep look at this - I think that you should start over and Attach your progress here after each and every sketch and feature for guidance on developing robust modeling techniques.  All future projects would then go much faster and be more robust.

[johnsonshiue]

Hi! There are multiple issues with the part. There are many sliver faces (small and narrow faces) and tiny edges. You need to check the features and sketches. Make sure all carry meaningful constraints and dimensions.

Another problem I notice is within the solid itself. You can use Delete Face command and delete some big faces (to look inside the solid). You will see dangling faces and edges, which are hostile to any further modeling operations.

Inventor is a precise modeler. The objective of using a tool like this is to create precise geometry as ideal digital twin to compare with the actual build. The way the part is modeled is not precise. As a result, it cannot be used as the digital twin.

Many thanks!